As a travel writer, I’ve made it my mission to check out as many of the world’s coolest hotels as possible. And being based in London, UK, means that’s pretty much a full-time job, with an endless number of new boutique hotels popping up in the capital city on an almost weekly basis.
London is a city of contrasts, where history and modernity coexist, where culture and creativity flourish, and where diversity and dynamism are celebrated. And that’s something that applies to its boutique hotels, too, with historical buildings filled with modern touches and cozy retreats, chic hideaways, quirky havens, and trendy hotspots just waiting to be admired.
Read on for all of the best boutique hotels in London!
The Hari
The Hari is one of London’s coolest boutique hotels, offering a unique blend of luxury, style, and comfort in the heart of Belgravia: one of the most charming neighborhoods in the city. A boutique hotel that doesn’t hold back with the good looks, it features individual artwork from renowned artists like Tracey Emin, Mario Testino, and Juergen Teller in its airy, spacious rooms. Elsewhere at the hotel, you’ll find the fitness center, home to state-of-the-art equipment and views of the London skyline, as well as its Italian restaurant, il Pampero, which showcases traditional, homemade Italian cooking in a modern setting and the bar and terrace, where you can sip cocktails, enjoy live music and relax in a cozy and chic atmosphere.
Key Amenities:
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5-star property
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Upgraded rooms with city skyline and Chesham Place Garden views
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Near London’s top attractions
Number Sixteen
Head to South Kensington to discover the one and only Number Sixteen boutique hotel. Known for its sophisticated, stylish design, this beautiful hotel has a tree-filled private garden, a stylish Drawing Room and a sunny Orangery where you can enjoy afternoon tea or a drink. Sticking with the British theme, you’ll find an English breakfast to greet you every morning as well as an à la carte restaurant and a 24-hour bar to ensure you’re always suitably fed and watered no matter what time of day it is. Better yet, this hotel is close to Hyde Park and world-renowned museums, ensuring you never get bored while staying here.
Key Amenities:
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Chic 5-star property
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A private garden and Drawing Room
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Afternoon tea and Honest Bar services
16 Sumner Pl, South Kensington, London SW7 3EG, UK— +44 20 7589 5232
Amano Covent Garden
Looking to experience the wonders of the West End while you’re in the capital? Check into Amano Covent Garden and you’ll be right in the heart of the action. This incredible boutique hotel is close to some of the capital’s best theaters, boutiques, restaurants, and pubs and is home to air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, a terrace, a restaurant, and a bar. A great choice no matter who you’re traveling with, it’s home to a large range of different room types, including king rooms with their own balconies and views of the London Eye. In the mornings, start your day with a continental breakfast or an à la carte menu at the hotel’s restaurant.
Key Amenities:
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On-site rooftop bar
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Rooms with freestanding bathtubs and city skyline views
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Located in the heart of Covent Garden
Drury House, 34-43 Russell St, London WC2B 5HA, UK— +44 20 3739 8900
Henry’s Townhouse
A stay at Henry’s Townhouse is like stepping into a rich visual story inspired by the Austen family and their 18th-century lifestyle but with all the comforts and conveniences of the 21st century. In short: you’ll struggle to think of a reason why you shouldn’t stay here. A luxurious, charming experience that blends the beautiful interiors of a bygone era with a host of sophisticated modern amenities, Henry’s Townhouse has only six elegant bedrooms, each with its own unique narrative inspired by the Austen family. Expect beautiful fabrics, diverse artwork, antique furniture, and organic bath products.
Key Amenities:
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Intimate setting with just 6 rooms
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Complimentary mini-bar with Press smoothies
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Sun terrace
Vintry & Mercer
Tried most of London’s boutique hotels already and looking for somewhere new? Check out Vintry & Mercer: a new luxury boutique hotel in the City of London, near the Thames river and St Paul’s Cathedral. Home to an assortment of classy rooms and suites, you’ll find bespoke interior design in each one, inspired by the historic trading guilds of the area. A top choice for foodies and those who want to soak up the atmosphere of the space, Vintry & Mercer is home to two restaurants, a roof terrace, a speakeasy-style bar, and a meeting space.
Key Amenities:
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Luxury 5-star property
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All-day eatery with cafe-style classics
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Fitness center
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A basement cocktail bar
Henrietta Hotel
The Henrietta Hotel never wants you to forget that you’re staying in London. It does that with a distinctly British theme from start to finish, ensuring you can breathe in that English charm from the moment you step past its stylish doors. This boutique hotel is in the center of London’s Covent Garden just steps away from the market square and the Savoy Theatre. Its 40 unique bedrooms and suites are inspired by Covent Garden’s rich history and Italian design. Wander throughout the rest of the hotel to find its restaurant, DA Henrietta, home to seasonal ingredients and fresh pasta.
Key Amenities:
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Upgraded junior suites with city views
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Bar and lounge with cocktails
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Complimentary shoe shine services
100 Queen’s Gate
100 Queen’s Gate was once the home of Victorian aristocrat William Alexander: if you’re hoping for a taste of British royalty, this is the place to find it. With its stylish, elegant design and homage to its historical heritage, this beautiful hotel promises a wonderful stay in the city. Each room and suite at this prestigious spot comes with a different theme and decor inspired by William Alexander’s travels and interests, ensuring you learn a little more about aristocracy even while you’re sleeping. It’s also a top spot for foodies, home to Cento, an Italian restaurant that serves breakfast; Botanica, a botanical-themed lounge with afternoon tea and pre-theatre drinks and ESQ, a concept cocktail bar with house-infused spirits.
Key Amenities:
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Signature restaurant Cento with traditional Italian cuisine
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Botanica atrium lounge with Afternoon Tea
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Spacious suites with separate living areas
100 Queen's Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5AG, UK— +44 20 7373 7878
Treehouse Hotel London
Don’t be fooled by its name: you’re still very much staying in the city when you check into this impressive boutique hotel. Check in here to feel a little like you’re in your childhood clubhouse, surrounded by vintage furniture, organic bedding, soft cotton robes, and rain showers. Treehouse London sits in the heart of Marylebone, one of London’s most vibrant and historic neighborhoods that feels more like its own village while still being impressively close to top spots like Oxford Street and Regents Street. Wake up each morning to enjoy world-class views of the London Eye, The Shard, and Regent’s Park while you’re staying here, too.
Key Amenities:
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Rooftop bar with 360-degree city skyline views
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On-site pizzeria and coffee shop
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Rooms with blackout shades, HD Smart TVs, and room service
The Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell
Ask any of London’s coolest influencers where they’d recommend checking in, and you’ll almost certainly get a few suggestions of Zetter Townhouse. This cooler-than-cool boutique hotel sits in a quirky Georgian townhouse hotel located on a picturesque cobbled square in Clerkenwell. Here, you’ll find 13 individually designed bedrooms that are filled with antique furniture, vintage books, and curiosities to ensure you feel more like you’re staying with a stylish friend than a random hotel. Before you head out to explore, check out the award-winning cocktail lounge for inventive drinks and delicious food in a cozy and eclectic setting.
Key Amenities:
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Cocktail bar with bespoke pairings
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Afternoon tea with unique cakes
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Games room with projector screen
Ham Yard Hotel
While Ham Yard Hotel may be a little bigger than your standard boutique hotel, that doesn’t mean you get any less of a personal experience. This stylish spot sits in central Soho, making it ideal for those who fancy a bit of Oxford Street shopping and/or sipping cocktails while in the city. One for art lovers especially, this hotel revolves around a tree-filled garden with a bronze sculpture centerpiece by Tony Cragg, adding a unique backdrop to your upcoming Insta snaps. As well as its 13 independent stores, a restaurant and bar with outdoor dining, and a drawing room, it’s also home to something totally unique: a 1950’s style bowling alley.
Key Amenities:
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5-star property
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Rooftop terrace with city skyline views
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On-site spa, gym, and theater
The Laslett
Always had daydreams about moving to a chic London townhouse and making a new life for yourself? A stay at The Laslett offers pretty much the same experience, albeit on a temporary basis. This stylish four-star boutique hotel sits in Notting Hill, set across five Victorian townhouses. With curated artwork and books dotted throughout the property, you’ll feel right at home amongst artists and other creatives. Ideal for those looking to explore, The Laslett is less than a minute from Notting Hill Gate underground station and just a short walk from the famous Portobello Road Market, Kensington Palace, Hyde Park, and plenty more.
Key Amenities:
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Bar and coffee shop
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Beautiful library
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Curated pop-up shops
The Rookery
The Rookery is a classic boutique hotel nestled in Clerkenwell, set within a row of 18th-century houses that date back to 1764. A place that goes above and beyond with attention to detail, it’s home to charming rooms with elegant period furnishings, antique furniture, vibrant artwork, and open fires. But don’t think it’s all about the history: Each uniquely designed room comes complete with a large TV, air conditioning, and a luxury en-suite bathroom, too. If that wasn’t enough, some rooms also come with four-poster beds or roll-top baths for the full luxe experience. The smaller nature of this spot makes it feel a little more homey and welcoming, with an honesty bar that lets you help yourself to snacks and drinks.
Key Amenities:
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Oak-paneled lounge
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Elegant conservatory with a fireplace
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100 meters from Farringdon station
12 Peter's Ln, Cowcross St, London EC1M 6DS, UK— +44 20 7336 0931
The Adria
Many tourists head to London to soak up the city’s incredible history and culture. If that sounds like you, you’ll almost definitely want to check into The Adria for your stay. The Adria sits in a boutique Victorian townhouse with sumptuously decorated rooms, butler service, and gourmet cuisine across its five stylish lounges. Each luxury room features an espresso machine, an iPod dock, and an HD iMedia hub, as well as a sleek, marble bathroom with underfloor heating and a walk-in waterfall shower. It’s also well located: just 10 minutes walk from the famous museums of Exhibition Road, like the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Key Amenities:
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Traditional afternoon tea
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A la carte breakfast
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Signature cocktails in the Games Room
88 Queen's Gate, South Kensington, London SW7 5AB, UK— +44 20 7118 8988
Flemings Mayfair
Located in the affluent Mayfair neighborhood in the West End, Flemings Mayfair has a long history and an impressive roster of former guests, which have included Harrison Ford, Hugh Grant, and Kate Moss. Rooms have a Hollywood meets rock ‘n roll vibe, each of which is just a bit different from the rest. The studio suites come with patios and gin bars stocked with all you need for a classic gin & tonic. Standard amenities include minibars, coffeemakers, and luxury bath products. The hotel is home to the Drawing Room, which serves Afternoon Tea, and the highly-acclaimed Ormer Mayfair Restaurant, while the VIP concierge can arrange day trips to Highclere Castle of Downtown Abbey TV fame or a walking tour of the neighborhood.
Key Amenities:
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Michelin-starred Ormer Mayfair Restaurant
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Drawing Room for Afternoon Tea
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Fitness room
The Soho Hotel
Nestled in the middle of lively Soho, The Soho Hotel offers a peaceful setting tucked into an alleyway occupying a former warehouse. The stylish five-star property offers spa services that include beauty and body treatments, while the Refuel bar and restaurant specializes in modern British fare. It’s popular for Afternoon Tea and fashion events as well as post-screening drinks, making it a favorite among creative types. In the basement, there’s even a screen room where guests can enjoy the weekend “Film Club” events that include a movie and lunch. Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. Two-bedroom apartments are available with kitchens, butler service, full breakfast, and champagne.
Key Amenities:
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Spa services
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Afternoon Tea
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Michelin-starred dining + upscale cocktail bar
Soho Hotel, 4 Richmond Mews, London W1D 3DH, UK— +44 20 7559 3000
The Mandrake
One of the top luxury hotels in London, The Mandrake has been described as a cross between Queen Anne’s court and Mad Max, set within a redbrick townhouse. It boasts a spa with unique offerings from shamanic rituals and energy healing to sound therapy that’s been a big hit with the hip and fashionable, who also come for its Instagrammable greenery-filed courtyard. The on-site YOPO restaurant is a trendy spot for English fare with a Latin American twist, from ceviche to Devon crab tostadas. Enjoy a tapas-style menu on the Jurema terrace. Spread over four floors. The sultry rooms feature four-poster beds and eclectic decor like giant feathers and over-the-top chandeliers.
Key Amenities:
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Spa with unique offerings, including sound therapy
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YOPO restaurant
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Jurema terrace for tapas-style plates
